New Philadelphia, Ohio (Friday, January 20, 2012) – With the latest forecasts predicting a winter mix tonight and tomorrow across eastern Ohio, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 11 is reminding motorists to give snow plows room to work.

In District 11, as many as 119 snowplow trucks and over 200 drivers will be on state, U.S. and interstate routes at any given time over the next couple of days. The equipment is large and slow-moving, and operators must contend with limited visibility.

Just this week, two ODOT snowplow trucks were hit by motorists on interstate highways in eastern Ohio – one was a distracted driver and the other was attempting to pass a snowplow and lost control. Historically, most accidents are caused by drivers simply going too fast for the conditions.

ODOT District 11 Deputy Director Lloyd MacAdam, P.E., P.S., reminds motorists “Don’t Crowd the Plow – our crews will be working around the clock to keep interstates, U.S. and state routes, ramps and bridges safe and passable. Motorists should remember that snow plows travel at reduced speeds while treating and plowing the roadways, and they slow down even more when approaching bridges, ramps and overpasses.”

Over the weekend, ODOT will be constantly updating BuckeyeTraffic.org, the state’s Web site for winter road conditions, accidents and major delays, and access to live traffic cameras and weather monitors across the state. Additionally, ODOT District 11 is now using the very popular social networking sites of Twitter and Facebook to update followers on the latest road conditions. When conditions change or posts are made to BuckeyeTraffic.org in one of District 11’s seven counties, a ‘tweet’ is sent to followers.

ODOT safety experts urge motorists to stay clear of snowplows by using the following tips:

Distance – Give snowplows room to work. Don’t tailgate and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud. Also slow down for oncoming snowplows; snowplows plow far and wide.

Vision – A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they don’t always see you. Keep your distance and watch for sudden stops.

Knowledge – Being a careful and informed driver is the best way motorists can travel safely. For the latest news and updates from Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson and Tuscarawas counties, follow us on Twitter at ODOT_EasternOH and like us on Facebook at ODOTEasternOhio.